Pages

Thursday, February 3, 2011

The Bacon Job

The first time I ever heard that saying, I thought it was positively perfect. The Bacon Job. Most writers have one- the job they do that "brings home the bacon". And I too used to have one. It used to be my dream job, actually.

I went to a vocational high school and took horticulture. I wasn't so much into landscaping or greenhouse stuff, but I really loved floral design. My senior year I did an internship at a local flower shop. I really loved it, but even then I knew I never wanted to own my own flower shop. But I did want to work in the floral industry. I got my associates degree in Floriculture Merchandising and my senior business project was a business plan for a wedding shop, all kinds of wedding -related items plus a floral service only for weddings. No day to day business. I honestly had no desire to do funeral work or everyday birthday arrangements. I loved wedding work. It's safe to say that back then, it was a passion!

After that I worked in the floral business, a couple different places until I settled at one. I worked there for five years and held many high responsibility positions: I did most of the shops window displays, I did most of the wedding consultations and in turn, most of the wedding work. I helped with book keeping and inventory. And I'd started doing weddings on the side. Running my own business had always been my goal. When I became pregnant with my first child, I gave my boss the news that I would not be staying on after the baby was born. It was probably one the of toughest things I've ever had to do.

I thoroughly enjoyed my business for a few years. I loved bringing so much joy to people on one of the most special days of their lives. But it wasn't without it's stress. There was tons. And it slowly started to eat away at my enthusiasm. I'd started writing by that time and I found myself wanting to do that more and more.

I'd decided to give up my business, way before I had a publishing contract. There were many reasons. One of the main ones was money and my business really wasn't bringing in much. So even though it did bring in some bacon, it wasn't enough to keep doing it if I really didn't enjoy it anymore. My husband and I decided together to end it so I could focus on my writing. His salary was enough to support us, though not in the lap of luxury. But we've made it work. And we kinda of had this agreement. I had 5-1/2 years after baby #2 was born. That's how long I had til he would start kindergarten. I needed to be bringing in some kind of money by that time or I would go out and get a job when he went to school full time. He just turned 3 this week, so I have 2-1/2 years to go. So far I think I'm off to a good start. I am bringing in money from my writing, slowly but surely.

Do I miss my bacon job?? Yes...sometimes I really do. When I hear that someone is getting married and I can't say "Hey...do you have a florist??" I loved being a part of so many people's wedding days. But I am so completely happy with where my career is now. I don't regret my decision at all.

So what do you do to bring home the bacon?? Do you plan on doing it forever...or will you someday move on to something else??

That's really cool. :) I don't really have a "dream" job, just things I would rather be doing. I don't plan on being at my current workplace much longer either. I'd rather work with my hands or be creative then be behind a desk.

I'm an Executive Assistant to the CEO/Sr Staff of a company that owns and operates Contact Centers in the US, South America and Europe. I love the job and will probably stay as long as I can. It's challenging enough to be fun but lets me leave work at work so at night, I can write.

I have a passion for flowers, but I lack your skills in floral design. Love to plant them in my yard and hopefully, watch them thrive though. How great that your bacon job had some artistic, fulfilling elements, and now you are experiencing success in another creative field. You're a great role model, Stephanie!

My husband and I recently agreed I would stay home and write, in part b/c his job moved us to WI from TX, but I can't say I miss my bacon job! It's great you're starting to bring in some money from the writing. I bet you'll be where you need in 2.5 years.beth-project52.blogspot.com

Oh! That's really cool. I love the smell of fresh flowers. Hyacinths around Easter time, Sweet Williams, ... ah! I used to work in a greenhouse. It was a great job because it was run by a small eclectic family, but the plants were really what kept bringing me back. I used to make dried floral wreaths for brides out of their bouquets (not my idea - but a nostalgic bride's idea) and it paid a little here and there. What brings in the bacon now is... my husband. I'm home with my child, homeschooling, writing, laundry, writing, dishes, writing, etc... eventually, I hope writing brings in the bacon and the hubby can take a B-I-G day off. Good luck with yours. Let me know if you want a promo, banner up, etc...

That sounded like a nice job, but I'm glad you get to spend this time with your family and your writing. My son #2 also goes to kindergarten next fall - time flies, doesn't it?

I've taught preschool (special education and Head Start) for the past 14 years. It's exhausting, but I love it. I write sslllooowwwlllyyy because of it, though. Then again, if I'd stay off the blogs, I'd get more writing done (but have a lot less fun, of course!!).erica

It's funny that you called the 'dreaded day job' by a name that I associate with all things delicious. Mmm, bacon. =)

I had to give up my job a couple of years ago, but in a way it's been a great thing, because if I hadn't, I might never have put so much of my energy into writing, and that's turning out to be a fabulous thing!

I love my bacon job (teaching) but it is enormously time consuming - a minimum of 50 hours a week - usually at least 10 more than that. That leaves me with not nearly enough time for writing. I've decided to be okay with slow and steady :)